N35.011 Post-traumatic bulbous urethral stricture

Name of the Condition

• Post-traumatic bulbous urethral stricture
• ICD-10-CM Code: N35.011

Summary

Post-traumatic bulbous urethral stricture is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the bulbous section of the urethra following an injury. This narrowing can impede the flow of urine and lead to further complications.

Causes

• Traumatic injury to the pelvic region or urethra, such as from a fall, car accident, or straddle injury.
• Previous surgical procedures affecting the urinary tract.

Risk Factors

• History of pelvic or urethral trauma.
• Previous surgeries involving the urethra.
• Infections that cause scarring of the urethra.

Symptoms

• Difficulty urinating or a weak urine stream.
• Increased frequency or urgency of urination.
• Pain during urination.
• Urinary tract infections.

Diagnosis

• Uroflowmetry to assess urine flow rate.
• Retrograde urethrogram or voiding cystourethrogram imaging.
• Cystoscopy to visualize the urethral stricture.

Treatment Options

• Urethral dilation to temporarily widen the stricture.
• Urethrotomy, a surgical procedure to cut the stricture.
• Open surgical reconstruction (urethroplasty) for more severe cases.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The prognosis is generally good with appropriate treatment, although recurrence is possible.
• Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor for recurrence of the stricture.

Complications

• Chronic urinary tract infections.
• Bladder stones due to poor drainage.
• Possible kidney damage if left untreated.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Avoid activities that risk urethral injury.
• Follow post-operative care instructions if surgical treatment is performed.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Inability to urinate completely or at all.
• Severe pain or fever, indicating potential complications like infection.

Additional Resources

• American Urological Association (AUA) - www.auanet.org
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) - www.niddk.nih.gov

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the underlying traumatic cause is documented when coding.
• Verify the precise location of the stricture in the bulbous urethra to use the correct ICD code.
• Consider any additional codes for associated complications or injuries.